Carlos Alcaraz finally faced teenage sensation Joao Fonseca in their hotly anticipated first meeting, albeit at an exhibition event. The world No. 1 came back from 0-5 down in the first-to-10-point match tiebreak to seal a 7-5 2-6 [10-8] victory on a unique court built inside the LoanDepot Park – the ballpark home to MLB team, the Miami Marlins.

The six-time Major winner and the world No. 24 also teamed up with Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova for a mixed doubles competition. Anisimova got the better of Pegula in their singles clash, but it was Alcaraz and Pegula who came out on top in the 10-point mixed doubles tiebreak.

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Carlos Alcaraz forced to give up huge chunk of money due to little-known tennis rule

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Ahead of his first clash with Fonseca, the world No. 1 said his rival had “entered the tour with a lot of force”, and talked up his game. After sealing victory, Alcaraz told Tennis Channel: “Well, it was really, really special playing with Joao.

“I haven’t ever played against him, so this was the first time, in this beautiful scenario. Never played in a baseball stadium before. So it was really special coming back to Miami in front of these amazing people that bring, always, a great energy. It was a great opportunity and a special moment.”

Fonseca, meanwhile, learned how difficult it was to face the six-time Grand Slam champion. Laughing, he replied: “Yeah, I almost got it, guys! It’s tough, he has a little bit of skill and the guy is good, the guy is really good. It’s a pleasure being here, it’s a pleasure playing against Carlos. Very thankful for Carlos, and congratulations.”

The Brazilian enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2025, starting the year on a high when he qualified for the Australian Open and stunned No. 9 seed Andrey Rublev on his Grand Slam main draw debut. Fonseca followed it up by winning his maiden tour title in Buenos Aires a few weeks later.

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Carlos Alcaraz forced to give up huge chunk of money due to little-known tennis rule

Mercedes-Benz becomes WTA Tour partner in ‘£375m deal’ as Gauff and Federer speak out

Venus Williams follows in Serena’s footsteps with important new role as next event looms

Aryna Sabalenka shuts down ‘damaging’ claims after signing up for controversial BBC match

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‘I’ve beaten Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner – stop thinking they’re invincible’

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‘I played Federer, Nadal and Djokovic – they made me feel insignificant’

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Carlos Alcaraz forced to give up huge chunk of money due to little-known tennis rule

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Aryna Sabalenka shuts down ‘damaging’ claims after signing up for controversial BBC match

Carlos Alcaraz honoured with prestigious award voted for by Djokovic, Federer and co

‘I’ve beaten Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner – stop thinking they’re invincible’

Nick Kyrgios debuts new sponsor as Nike partnership ends ahead of BBC Battle of the Sexes

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Serena Williams’ ex-coach names key condition for her to make tennis comeback aged 44

Alex de Minaur tames Katie Boulter wedding expectations after banking £480k

‘I watched F1 qualifying with Casper Ruud – he’s making sacrifice to watch Abu Dhabi GP’

Andy Murray’s fallout with Nick Kyrgios continues with pair ‘no longer friends’

Andy Murray’s daughter ‘really struggled’ because of his tennis career as Brit opens up

‘I played Federer, Nadal and Djokovic – they made me feel insignificant’

1Comments

Carlos Alcaraz and Andrey Rublev at odds as Russian picks UTS over ‘boring’ exhibitions

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner or Emma Raducanu – vote in our end-of-season tennis awards

2Comments

Cameron Norrie gets engaged to his ‘best friend’ as he makes heartwarming announcement

Carlos Alcaraz breaks silence on signing up for big-money exhibitions while injured

1Comments

Andy Murray left ’embarrassed’ on first day in new job coaching Novak Djokovic

Serena Williams finding retirement ‘difficult’ and shares family decision

2Comments

Carlos Alcaraz forced to give up huge chunk of money due to little-known tennis rule

Mercedes-Benz becomes WTA Tour partner in ‘£375m deal’ as Gauff and Federer speak out

Venus Williams follows in Serena’s footsteps with important new role as next event looms

Aryna Sabalenka shuts down ‘damaging’ claims after signing up for controversial BBC match

Carlos Alcaraz honoured with prestigious award voted for by Djokovic, Federer and co

‘I’ve beaten Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner – stop thinking they’re invincible’

Nick Kyrgios debuts new sponsor as Nike partnership ends ahead of BBC Battle of the Sexes

And the 19-year-old had an even stronger end to the season, collecting his second trophy at the ATP 500 event in Basel and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 24, having started the year outside of the world’s top 140.

Fonseca vowed to shave his head after winning his biggest title at the Swiss Indoors, and he delivered, arriving in Miami with a new buzzcut. And the teenage star wasn’t the only opponent Alcaraz faced in Florida.

Alcaraz also had the chance to hit with Ronaldo Nazario on the unique court inside the Marlins’ home stadium. Ronaldo later signed a shirt for the 22-year-old before watching the players in action.